Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Castillo de San Marcos

We walked to a small place for breakfast then over to the Castillo de San Marcos.  I love that everything is in walking distance.  We were told that the entrance was free this week because it is National Parks Week.  So if you can go to any National Park, Admission is free.  I really like Free.  Construction of the castle/fort started in 1672 and was completed in 1756.  The walls are very fragile.  They are made up of Coquina which is limestone that is made of shells. This was used because it was good at deflecting or absorbing projectiles.  You enter the fort by going over a drawbridge.  So cool.  From there you go into a beautifully kept courtyard.  Actors and park rangers abound for pictures and tell you who they are and give a little bit of history.


Some of the weapons used in this time period were pretty scary.  This was used by the British when they attacked the Spanish.


Up on the gundeck is where some of the cannons used.  By the time it was finished it held 74 cannons of different sizes.  It also held 4 bastions, one in each corner.



One mom and dad knew that this history stuff was going to be boring for the youngsters, so they brought paper and crayons and had them draw things they saw.  Smart mom and dad.  Kept the kids quiet while they took turns walking around.


Of course some modernization needs to be put in like a store and the restrooms.  Ladies was nice, men, looks like you have to hold it a while enter.



After this we walked around and were a bit thirsty.  OMG, another Irish Pub!  What a surprise!   We took a horse and carriage ride.  Since we jumped aboard a little into it the driver gave us a break on the price.  this is a good day for us.  We got some pizza and met up with Bonnie and Peter before they left to go back to Connecticut.  We heard they got some snow yesterday.  Maybe another touristy thing today.

Oh, and by the way to our friends back in Isle of Hope,  they also have that lovely Spanish moss here. Who knew?  LOL!!



Patti and Bill  :-)

No comments:

Post a Comment